was Vancouver trading goalie Cory Schneider to the New Jersey Devils for the 9th overall pick (Bo Horvat). With the last 14 months focused on “Where is Roberto Luongo going?” it was a huge shock to see Schneider moved. James Duffie mentioned during the draft coverage that Luongo was not contacted and was shocked with the move. He wanted to talk to his agent and mull over his options.

Other moves around the NHL were Jamie McBain going to the Buffalo Sabres for 2nd round pick (J.T Compher) and Andre Sekera, Cal Clutterbuck, and a 3rd round pick (Eaman McAdam) to New York Islanders for Nino Niederreiter.

Another interesting moment of the first round was watching Seth Jones, the number one ranked prospect coming into the 2013 entry draft, fall to 4th overall. Colorado took MacKinnon with the 1st overall, Florida took Barkov in the 2nd and Tampa Bay chose Drouin at 3rd overall. With Nashville picking Jones up, the exit of Ryan Suter last off-season isn’t so rough.

Chicago Blackhawks 2013 Draft Overview

The Hawks made a few moves today as well. Hawks traded Stanley Cup game winning

Blackhawks former 3rd-line center, David Bolland (Photo courtesy of hockeystephanie.wordpress.com)

goal scorer Dave Bolland to Toronto for the 51st overall (Carl Dahlstrom), the 117th overall (moved to San Jose with 151th overall for the 111th overall pick) and a 4th round pick in the 2014 draft. Shortly after Michael Frolik was traded to the Winnipeg Jets for the 74th overall (John Hayden) and the 134th overall pick (Luke Johnson).

With the 30th overall pick, the Blackhawks selected Dundee native Ryan Hartman. He played 56 games, had 60 points and 120 PIM while playing for the Plymouth Whalers last season. He plays the role of the pest (very similar to Andrew Shaw) and has the upside of Brad Marchand.

Andy’s winners at the draft:

I feel New Jersey picking up Schneider for the 9th overall is huge for the Devils. With a veteran Marty Brodeur and nothing else in the pipeline in terms of goaltending, picking up Schneider could prove to be New Jersey’s next franchise goaltender.

Without a doubt, Nashville picked up the best prospect in the draft without moving any players to get the first overall pick. Jones and Weber will be a stronger 1-2 punch on the blue-line as opposed to Suter and Weber.

Also, having Drouin playing with Stamkos in Tampa Bay in the not too distant future will provide some of the most exciting offensive hockey in the NHL.

If Nino Neiderreiter plays like the player he was projected to be when he was drafted 5th overall in 2010, Minnesota could have a steal of a trade.

Also was very nice to see Martin Brodeur announce New Jersey drafting his son Anthony Brodeur (208th overall)

Andy’s thoughts about the Hawks:

As for Chicago, I really like the Ryan Hartman pick. When he is NHL ready, the edge he brings will be great for their roster. Not to mention he is a hometown boy from West Dundee, IL. The Bolland and Frolik trades, while hard to watch unsung heroes go, were great for adding picks, as well as cap space. The new Bickell contract is a little obnoxious. Don’t get me wrong, I wanted him back, but not for 4 million cap hit for 4 years.